Benefits
Transportation is the second largest expense after housing for most Americans. In Routt County, transportation accounts for 37% of greenhouse gas emissions—well over the national average of 30%.
Public transportation is one tool that can help solve many of Yampa Valley’s toughest problems from housing to traffic and parking. Everyone benefits from transit whether they use it or not.
Safety
HWY 40 between Craig, Hayden and Steamboat Springs is consistently the most dangerous stretch in Colorado. Bus service takes cars off the road and reduces the danger for everyone whether they’re on the bus or not.
For those who like a night out bus service to South and North Routt, Hayden, Craig and Steamboat Springs connects the best breweries and distilleries in the Mountain West with a safe ride home.
Business
Things can get crowded in the busy seasons. Safe, reliable bus service not only reduces traffic and the need for parking in Steamboat Springs, but also connects South Routt as a more attractive destination for visitors.
Public transportation connects the entire workforce of the Yampa Valley so businesses all over the system have access to the talent they need to run. Employees arrive at work without taking up a parking spot that would otherwise go to a customer and save everyday on gas and automobile expenses.
Everyone
Sometimes it’s as simple as a kid who needs to get to soccer practice. Public transportation connects kids to their activities so parents can finish a meeting, or go for a run.
The VA clinic in Craig serves the entire Yampa Valley. It can be a challenge for many veterans to access the care they need. So much so that they’ve developed an informal network of rides to get each other to and from the VA. Direct public transportation to Craig empowers our Yampa Valley veterans to access care on their own terms.
Housing
Connecting the housing stock of the Yampa Valley gives every resident, and new residents more options when looking for housing. It takes time to build more housing stock; robust public transportation spreads out the demand and creates opportunities for people to find a home that fits their needs and budget.
Environment
Transportation accounts for 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in the US; the largest share of any sector. In Routt County, the transportation sector accounted for 37% of all 2023 greenhouse gas admissions—up from 26% in 2018. We are trending in the wrong direction. The RTA can help.
Public transportation produces approximately 55% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traveling by car.